Think Twice: The Risks of Drink & Drug Driving
Understanding the real dangers of drink and drug driving is vital. Not only is it about not breaking the law; it’s about keeping everyone safe. Did you know in 2023, 282 out of 1,441 fatal collisions in Great Britain involved at least one drink or drugs-related factor, which accounts for 19.6% of all fatal collisions.
Drink and Drug Driving: Essential Information for Young Drivers
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to some serious long-term consequences. Such as a criminal record, an unlimited fine, and a prison sentence.
A criminal record can have serious and long-lasting consequences:
- You might lose your job.
- Difficulty obtaining insurance or credit
- Travel limitations e.g to the US or Canada
- Employment restrictions due to being unable to pass a DBS, e.g. working with children or vulnerable adults.
Testing for Alcohol and Drug Use
Alcohol: The police can stop you anytime and ask you to take an alcohol breath test if they suspect you have been drinking, committed a traffic offense, or been involved in a collision. Refusing to take the test without a reasonable excuse can lead to arrest.
Drugs: The police can conduct roadside screening tests or field impairment tests if they suspect drug use. Even if you pass the roadside check, you might still be arrested if your driving is impaired.
Drink Driving: Know the Risks and Stay Safe
If charged with being under the influence of alcohol, you could face severe consequences. There are many levels to which you can be charged, including:
Being in charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
- 3-month imprisonment
- Up to £2,500 fine
- A possible driving ban
Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
- 6-month imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A ban from driving for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
Refusing to provide a specimen of breath, blood, or urine for analysis
- 6-month imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A ban from driving for at least 1 year (3 years if convicted twice in 10 years)
Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink
- Life imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A ban from driving for at least 5 years
- An extended driving test before your licence is returned
You may not get your licence back until you can prove you are fit to drive again if you are considered a high-risk offender.
Never Worth the Risk: Stay Safe and Sober
The legal alcohol limit varies slightly across the UK, but the safest option is to avoid alcohol completely. Alcohol stays in your system and can be detected for hours, sometimes even days after. For more information, please check the GOV.UK website.
Keep Your Keys, Lose the Drugs
Driving with any of seventeen controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood is illegal. This includes both illegal drugs and some prescription medications (Morphine and Diazepam for example). Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about your medication. For more information, please check the GOV.UK website.
How Doing Drugs Affects Your Driving
While the effects of drugs can vary, one thing is certain: they impair your abilities. The temporary effects of drugs are never worth risking your life or the lives of others.
Understanding the Dangers: A Guide to Common Drugs and Their Effects
There are many different types of drugs out there, each with its own effects. It’s important to be aware of their names and impacts so you can understand the risks and legal consequences of drug use when driving and ensure your safety on the roads.
Stimulants
- Make you hyperactive and distracted.
- Cocaine, MDMA (Ecstasy), Caffeine, Amphetamines
Depressants
- Make you relax and less alert.
- Alcohol, Sleeping Pills, Heroin, Cannabis
Hallucinogens
- Make you see things differently from normal.
- LSD, PCP, Cannabis, Ketamine, Ecstasy
Over the counter/prescription drugs
- Some painkillers and other medication may make you numb, disorientated, or sleepy.
- These can include antibiotics, painkillers including naproxen and codeine, antihistamines, and anti-depressants.
- Please always check the leaflet with your medication before driving whilst on medication or ask a pharmacist/doctor if you are ever unsure.
Physical Effects of Drug Taking and Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs can seriously damage your skills:
- Impaired vision.
- Drowsiness and aggression.
- Judging speed and distance.
- Reaction and coordination skills.
- Erratic behaviour including panic attacks, paranoia, and hallucinations.
- False sense of confidence leading to risky behaviour and decision making.
The Penalties of Drug Driving
If you’re convicted of drug driving, you may receive:
- Up to 6 months to life imprisonment
- An unlimited fine
- A criminal record
- A ban from driving for at least 1 year (3-5 years for repeat offenders)
- A driving licence conviction for drug driving that will last for 11 years.
Staying Safe: Support is Always Available
Remember, the risks of drink and drug driving are just not worth it. Think twice before getting behind the wheel under the influence. Stay safe and keep others safe too. If you or anyone you know is affected by the issues raised here, please contact the following for further assistance:
- Frank: Provides honest information about drugs and alcohol. Live chat service available. 2pm – 6pm, 7 days a week. Opening times: 24/7. Tel: 0300 123 6600, SMS: 82111,
- Childline: If you’re under 19, you can confidentially call, chat online, or email about any problem big or small. Opening times: 24/7. Tel: 0800 1111
- Drink Aware: Provides support, information, and advice. Opening times: 9am – 8pm, Monday – Friday; 11am – 4pm, weekends. Tel: 0300 123 1110
Need further information on useful topics? Check out these existing articles for more helpful tips and topics “Essential Items for your Glove Box and Boot” and “The Dangers of Speeding”